Anna-Constantia Richardson is hunting down wigs. Not just any wigs -- barrister wigs. The ones w the white curls that barristers wear in court. Have worn in court for many years. She's also hunting down robes, ladies dresses and suits from the early fifties, and men's suits. Lots and lots of suits. She has pulled out a diverse selection of bits from the AFD costume room (yes, it's a whole room), and the rack is full. She walks us through the choices, enjoying the challenge, and the results. Anna's doing costumes for the upcoming production of Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution." It's a big production team, but it sure is fun to watch the pieces fall into place. Right, Anna?

Kevin Brunton (Justice Wainwright) is excited to make his debut at AFD. He portrayed Robert in The Way We Live Now (2018), a performance-based civic engagement project to facilitate public conversations about the opioid epidemic, and Richard Parker in the pilot for the TV series "Karma." He has also portrayed Arthur Schlesinger, an adviser to President Kennedy, for a class on leadership designed for the Kennedy School of Government, which discussed the different approaches to the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis; Funeral Guest in the film "In My Mother's Eyes;" and Creepy Caller in the student film "Gullible On The Ceiling." In addition, he has appeared in other student films for Boston University and Northeastern University.

I was dubious, too. Agatha Christie? The old white British dame who wrote about a thousand murder mystery novels featuring detectives with elaborate mustaches and things like spats and monocles? But - hang on - it's not all that. I mean, it IS all that - in just this one play, you got wigs and the Old Bailey and a snooty barrister who literally looks down his long nose at dithering ladies and someone gets murdered with (no kidding) a "cosh" and there's an inheritance of 80 thousand pounds (!) - but it's not JUST all that. In fact, one of the sorta shocking and rebellious things about this play - we're talking "Witness for the Prosecution," if you haven't already seen that poster all over the place - is that Christie, once again, takes some high British archetypes, and puts them up on the stage for us, and there they are, ho ho ho... Patrick McCormick and Brian Lavalle And then she ever so gently cracks the mold that holds these people tight in that model. The shell crumbles, and what, all that British reserve reveals to have a passionate bloody messy inside. It's a thing to behold, the crafty old lady at work. In this one, you got your dotty Scottish maid who resents the upstart young male interloper. Oh, what a figure of fun! But hey - turns out she's pretty sharp, and convivial, and appreciates her boss. And your spinster who throws caution to the wind when a handsome young man comes calling. Again, so funny! A woman over 50 who thinks a man could find her attractive (haha!)! No wonder she got a cosh to her gray haired head. But again... as the play winds on, we find out she was a good businesswoman; she was skeptical of people and often saw through them; and she managed, she did, that unmarried lady. (Not for nothing, Christie married a man 14 years her junior. Fortunately she didn't get punished with a large heavy object.) Then, you got your Romaine. WHAT is going on there? She's a foreigner, after a protracted and immensely painful war, so we are suspicious. But she loves her husband. But is he a murderer? Her lines are so unladylike: she's forthright, clipped, still - she doesn't dither or apologize or placate. Sir Robarts doesn't know what to make of her - and neither do we. So- there's all this - and then there's a really delightful twist that is just diabolical. I mean. It's a hoary British murder mystery, but it's also a really good character study! Who knew? I mean, you probably did. But I didn't. And now I do, and so pleased. Come see it! If nothing else, it is REALLY ENTERTAINING. And hey, that's a fine fine thing these days.

We sat down and had a good chat about quite a few fascinating tidbits about this play coming up. Have a look! J. is a complex, competent, compelling character all on her own!

Standing in the front of the theater and leaning on the stage, J. Deschene fully embodies the role of Director. She's precise, decisive, calm, and creative - fully honoring the words and intent of the playwright while giving the actors room to find their feet and use some creative flair. As she pulls together the many actors and details for the upcoming production of Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution," it's a bit puzzling that she hasn't always been at the helm of the plays in which she's participated. In fact, she was an actor and singer first - and came to directing because she was eager to have creative control of the productions of "Pirates of Penzance" and "Patience." "Pirates" was baptism by fire, as she was suddenly directing so many people acting, singing, dancing, along with musicians. Last season, she came to AFD to direct "Game's Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays," and she found all the humor bits and beats with a cold precision that hit time after time. AFD welcomes her back with open arms, happy to have her wit and wisdom guiding this diabolical and dynamic production.

Ahhhkword. AWWWkward. Joe Stallone prompts the cast through the correct pronunciation, based on precisely where the character falls in the world: country, class, gender, role. Recently, the cast of Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution" has been running lines and concentrating on the exact proper diction. It takes time and arduous work, but the company, including the director Jaie Deschene, are determined to make it as accurate as possible. Also, as thrilling and surprising. Cuz it is Christie after all...

We are thrilled to announce our cast for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" May 3-19, directed by Ryan Began with music direction by James Haupt and choreography by Daisy Giunta! Congratulations and thank you to everyone who auditioned! Lawrence Jameson: Nicholas Mann Freddy Benson: Jeff Mitchell Christine Colgate: Heather Pruiksma Andre Thibault: Craig Howard Muriel Eubanks: Karen Fanale Jolene: Vanessa Calantropo ENSEMBLE Kelly Duffy Cara Guappone Jocelyn Hesse Liz Ruark Joel Hersh Nate Krantz Dan Murray Nick Stevens

Thanks to EVERYONE who came out this chilly week to audition for our upcoming production of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." You're adorable, and immensely talented! Here's our adorable production staff: Directed by Ryan Began Musical Direction by James Haupt Choreography by Daisy Giunta Production by Sandy Armstrong Audition Greetings by Evelyn Corsini

Our gorgeous cast for "Witness for the Prosecution" by Agatha Christie (yes, that's the full title we must use) is in the house! And learning how to speak Practically Perfect British in every way. Joe Stallone is tutoring all the speaking role speakers in how to clip, roll, land every vowel and consonant just so. On Monday evening (1/7/19), he led a quick class to lay out the basics. The production promises to be, undoubtedly, quite a corker.

Congratulations to everyone cast in the upcoming production of "Witness for the Prosecution" by Agatha Christie! And thanks to all the talented actors who came out to audition. WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION by Agatha Christie Romaine Kristen Heider Leonard Vole Patrick McCormick Mr. Mayhew Jesse Martin Mr. Meyers, Q.C. Brian Lavalle Mr. Justice Wainwright Kevin Brunton Greta Katie Weatherseed Carter Lou Fuoco Inspector Hearne Randall Lawrence-Hurt Janet MacKenzie Sandy Armstrong Dr. Wyatt John Pease Mr. Clegg Matthew Lundergan The Other Woman Melody Martin Clerk of the Court Michael Lin Plain-Clothes Detective/Policeman Daniel Kasenberg Warder Lucas Commons-Miller 1st Barrister Joana de Sousa 2nd Barrister Matthew Slepin Witness for the Prosecution is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Bradley Boutcher brings a boatload of bravado and charisma to his portrayal of that wacky Danish Prince Hamlet... The stage lights up when he rushes to play with the crazy Rosencrantz & Guildenstern... and then darkens as he spurns the lovely Ophelia, and generally mucks around in his ambiguity. We love him anyway. Come check him out!

Bending gender, defying expectations, running rampant, and rollicking madly, our Leading Player brings a saucy edge to "Rosencrantz." (Opens November 30! Get your tickets now!) Sara Kerr struts and frets her hour upon the stage - and it's a sight to behold. The director, Ingrid Oslund, notes, “The Lead Player is still the ultimate actor, so we haven’t changed the pronouns in any way,” she notes. “This person can play any role to perfection." "It costs little to watch, and little more if you happen to get caught up in the action, if that's you taste and times being what they are."